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Bologna E, Licari LC, Franco A, Ditonno F, Leonardo C, De Nunzio C, Autorino R, Manfredi C. Gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender women and risk of prostate cancer: pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2024:10.1038/s41391-024-00796-1. [PMID: 38297151 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-024-00796-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Bologna
- Department of Urology, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Maternal-Child and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Leslie Claire Licari
- Department of Urology, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Maternal-Child and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Urology, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ditonno
- Department of Urology, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Urology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Costantino Leonardo
- Department of Urology, "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo De Nunzio
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Celeste Manfredi
- Department of Urology, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Unit of Urology, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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2
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Manfredi C, Ditonno F, Franco A, Bologna E, Licari LC, Arcaniolo D, Tubaro A, De Nunzio C, Antonelli A, De Sio M, Cherullo EE, Autorino R. Prostate Cancer in Transgender Women: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Management Challenges. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1431-1443. [PMID: 37910274 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To systematically review the evidence on prostate cancer (PCa) in transgender women (TGW). RECENT FINDINGS A total of 25 studies were included. Fourteen articles were case reports or case series describing 21 TGW with PCa; 11 papers focused primarily on assessing the incidence or screening of PCa in TGW. The median (range) age of patients with PCa was 63 (45-78) years. Median (range) PSA at diagnosis was 7.5 (0.4-1710) ng/mL. Prostate biopsy detected ISUP 3-5 in 10 (67%) cases. T3-4 stages were described in 7 (64%) patients. Three (14.3%) cases of nodal involvement and 2 (9.5%) of metastases were reported at diagnosis. First-line therapy included radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy ± androgen deprivation therapy in 14 (74 %) subjects. Median (range) follow-up was 24 (2-120) months. A good response to first-line therapy was recorded in 8 (47.1%) cases. Median (range) incidence of PCa in TGW was 44.1 (4.34-140) cases per 100,000 person-years. PCa was significantly less frequent in TGW than in cisgender males (HR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Risk of death after PCa diagnosis was significantly higher in TGW compared to cisgender males (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.06-3.45). TGW had lower lifetime PSA rates (48% vs. 64.6%, p = 0.048) than cisgender males. Few cases of PCa in TGW are currently reported. PCa seems significantly less frequent in TGW than in cisgender males; however, some data suggest a possible higher mortality in this cohort. TGW appear to have less access to PSA testing than cisgender men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Manfredi
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Professional Building - Suite 970, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Unit of Urology, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ditonno
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Professional Building - Suite 970, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Professional Building - Suite 970, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Bologna
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Professional Building - Suite 970, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Unit of Urology, Department of Maternal-Child and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Leslie Claire Licari
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Professional Building - Suite 970, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Unit of Urology, Department of Maternal-Child and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Unit of Urology, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Tubaro
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo De Nunzio
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Urology, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco De Sio
- Unit of Urology, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Edward E Cherullo
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Professional Building - Suite 970, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Riccardo Autorino
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W Harrison St, Professional Building - Suite 970, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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3
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Panichella JC, Araya S, Nannapaneni S, Robinson SG, You S, Gubara SM, Gebreyesus MT, Webster T, Patel SA, Hamidian Jahromi A. Cancer screening and management in the transgender population: Review of literature and special considerations for gender affirmation surgery. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:265-284. [PMID: 37583948 PMCID: PMC10424092 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i7.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature focused on cancer screening and management is lacking in the transgender population. AIM To action to increase contributions to the scientific literature that drives the creation of cancer screening and management protocols for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) patients. METHODS We performed a systematic search of PubMed on January 5th, 2022, with the following terms: "TGNC", OR "transgender", OR "gender non-conforming", OR "gender nonbinary" AND "cancer screening", AND "breast cancer", AND "cervical cancer", AND "uterine cancer", AND "ovarian cancer", AND "prostate cancer", AND "testicular cancer", AND "surveillance", AND "follow-up", AND "management". 70 unique publications were used. The findings are discussed under "Screening" and "Management" categories. RESULTS Screening: Current cancer screening recommendations default to cis-gender protocols. However, long-term gender-affirming hormone therapy and loss to follow-up from the gender-specific specialties contribute to a higher risk for cancer development and possible delayed detection. The only known screening guidelines made specifically for this population are from the American College of Radiology for breast cancer. Management: Prior to undergoing Gender Affirmation Surgery (GAS), discussion should address cancer screening and management in the organs remaining in situ. Cancer treatment in this population requires consideration for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and/or reconstruction. Modification of hormone therapy is decided on a case-by-case basis. The use of prophylactic vs aesthetic techniques in surgery is still debated. CONCLUSION When assessing transgender individuals for GAS, a discussion on the future oncologic risk of the sex-specific organs remaining in situ is essential. Cancer management in this population requires a multidisciplinary approach while the care should be highly individualized with considerations to social, medical, surgical and gender affirming surgery related specifications. Special considerations have to be made during planning for GAS as surgery will alter the anatomy and may render the organ difficult to sample for screening purposes. A discussion with the patient regarding the oncologic risk of remaining organs is imperative prior to GAS. Other special considerations to screening such as the conscious or unconscious will to unassociated with their remaining organs is also a key point to address. We currently lack high quality studies pertinent to the cancer topic in the gender affirmation literature. Further research is required to ensure more comprehensive and individualized care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet C Panichella
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Sthefano Araya
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
| | - Siddhartha Nannapaneni
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
| | - Samuel G Robinson
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Susan You
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Sarah M Gubara
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Maria T Gebreyesus
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Theresa Webster
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 18045, United States
| | - Sameer A Patel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
| | - Alireza Hamidian Jahromi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Temple University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
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Bybee SG, Wilson CM. Why Good Cancer Care Means Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Individuals With Gendered Cancers: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:3591-3594. [PMID: 37224435 PMCID: PMC10325736 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara G. Bybee
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Christina M. Wilson
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing and Heersink School of Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Birmingham, AL
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5
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Crowley F, Mihalopoulos M, Gaglani S, Tewari AK, Tsao CK, Djordjevic M, Kyprianou N, Purohit RS, Lundon DJ. Prostate cancer in transgender women: considerations for screening, diagnosis and management. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:177-189. [PMID: 36261584 PMCID: PMC9902518 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgender individuals represent 0.55% of the US population, equivalent to 1.4 million transgender adults. In transgender women, feminisation can include a number of medical and surgical interventions. The main goal is to deprive the phenotypically masculine body of androgens and simultaneously provide oestrogen therapy for feminisation. In gender-confirming surgery (GCS) for transgender females, the prostate is usually not removed. Due to limitations of existing cohort studies, the true incidence of prostate cancer in transgender females is unknown but is thought to be less than the incidence among cis-gender males. It is unclear how prostate cancer develops in androgen-deprived conditions in these patients. Six out of eleven case reports in the literature presented with metastatic disease. It is thought that androgen receptor-mediated mechanisms or tumour-promoting effects of oestrogen may be responsible. Due to the low incidence of prostate cancer identified in transgender women, there is little evidence to drive specific screening recommendations in this patient subpopulation. The treatment of early and locally advanced prostate cancer in these patients warrants an individualised thoughtful approach with input from patients' reconstructive surgeons. Both surgical and radiation treatment for prostate cancer in these patients can profoundly impact the patient's quality of life. In this review, we discuss the evidence surrounding screening and treatment of prostate cancer in transgender women and consider the current gaps in our knowledge in providing evidence-based guidance at the molecular, genomic and epidemiological level, for clinical decision-making in the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fionnuala Crowley
- Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Morningside West, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meredith Mihalopoulos
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Simita Gaglani
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashutosh K Tewari
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Che-Kai Tsao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miroslav Djordjevic
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Natasha Kyprianou
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology & Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rajveer S Purohit
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Dara J Lundon
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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Nik-Ahd F, Jarjour A, Figueiredo J, Anger JT, Garcia M, Carroll PR, Cooperberg MR, Vidal AC, Freedland SJ. Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening in Transgender Patients. Eur Urol 2023; 83:48-54. [PMID: 36344317 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Approximately 0.4-1.3% of the worldwide population is transgender. Although the exact prevalence is unknown, there is an increase in open identification as transgender. Among transgender women (TW), the prostate is retained even after gender-affirmation surgery, thus necessitating ongoing screening for prostate cancer (CaP). However, little is known about CaP screening in this population. OBJECTIVE To assess our current understanding of CaP incidence and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in TW. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We performed a nonsystematic narrative review of all PubMed publications through June 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Given the limited primary research on this subject, case reports were also included. Studies were reviewed to understand PSA screening practices and reports of CaP in this population, as applicable. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS There is no consensus regarding PSA screening in TW from any of the major societies, and TW are largely absent from guidelines. Case report data suggest that TW with CaP may have more aggressive disease, and these cancers may have been pre-existing prior to present before gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) or be castrate-resistant. CONCLUSIONS We are in the infancy of our understanding of PSA screening in TW. Important avenues for future research include understanding the risks/benefits of PSA screening in TW, how best to mitigate potential negative psychological effects of PSA screening in TW, establishing baseline PSA values for those on GAHT (and determining what values should be considered "elevated"), establishing when to initiate PSA screening for those on GAHT, and establishing the accuracy of biomarkers for those undergoing GAHT. PATIENT SUMMARY We examined patterns of prostate cancer screening for transgender women. Little is known about prostate cancer incidence or screening in this population. Additional research is needed to establish guidelines for screening in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnoosh Nik-Ahd
- Department of Urology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Andrew Jarjour
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Jane Figueiredo
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer T Anger
- Department of Urology, University of California-San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maurice Garcia
- Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter R Carroll
- Department of Urology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew R Cooperberg
- Department of Urology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adriana C Vidal
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen J Freedland
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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7
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Baraban E, Ding CKC, White M, Vohra P, Simko J, Boyle K, Guo C, Zhang M, Dobs A, Ketheeswaran S, Liang F, Epstein JI. Prostate Cancer in Male-to-Female Transgender Individuals: Histopathologic Findings and Association With Gender-affirming Hormonal Therapy. Am J Surg Pathol 2022; 46:1650-1658. [PMID: 36006769 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Male-to-female (MtF) transgender individuals are at risk for prostate cancer, although guidelines for screening and management in this population are not well established. We describe a series of 9 MtF transgender patients who underwent prostate tissue sampling and highlight histopathologic features and challenges related to pathologic interpretation of prostate tissue in this patient population. Seven of 9 total patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer and all had elevated prostate-specific antigen at the time of diagnosis. Three of the 7 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer had received different types of hormone therapy for gender affirmation before the diagnosis of prostate cancer, and in all 3 of these patients, there was histologic evidence of hormone therapy effect in both benign prostate tissue and/or the adenocarcinoma. The 2 patients with benign prostate tissue underwent transurethral resection for lower urinary tract symptoms and were previously on hormone therapy for gender affirmation. Both of these specimens showed diffuse glandular atrophy and basal cell hyperplasia, indicative of hormone therapy effect on benign prostatic tissue. In the patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, a spectrum of grades was observed, ranging from Grade Group 1 to Grade Group 5. Four patients underwent radical prostatectomy, with 2 cases showing extraprostatic extension and Grade Group 5 prostatic adenocarcinoma, and 2 showing Grade Group 2 prostatic adenocarcinoma. Three of the 4 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy had received gender-affirming hormone therapy before surgery, and all 3 of these specimens showed hormone therapy effect in non-neoplastic prostate tissue and focal hormone therapy effect in prostatic adenocarcinoma. The presence of areas of viable carcinoma without hormone therapy effect enabled the assignment of a Gleason score and Grade Group in these 3 cases. Hormone therapy administered for gender identity affirmation induces histopathologic changes to both benign prostate tissue (nonkeratinizing squamous metaplasia, diffuse atrophy, basal cell hyperplasia, and stromal dominance with decreased numbers of glands) and prostatic adenocarcinoma (nuclear pyknosis, atrophy, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and architectural patterns that would qualify for Gleason 4 and 5 in the absence of hormone therapy effect) that have been traditionally seen in cis-male prostate cancer patients receiving hormone therapy. In the absence of hormone therapy, the morphology of prostatic adenocarcinoma in transgender patients shows classic morphologic features similar to those seen in cis-male patients not on hormone therapy. Prostate cancer with hormone therapy effect may not only be histologically quite subtle and may be overlooked if not suspected, but also should not be assigned a Gleason score because the Gleason score would substantially overstate its biologic potential. Therefore, similar to cis-male patients who have received androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, transgender patients on hormone therapy for gender affirmation may be at risk for both underrecognition and over-grading of prostate cancer, particularly if the pathologist is not aware of the clinical history.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chien-Kuang C Ding
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Poonam Vohra
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jeffry Simko
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Charles Guo
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Fan Liang
- Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital
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8
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Domogauer J, Cantor T, Quinn G, Stasenko M. Disparities in cancer screenings for sexual and gender minorities. Curr Probl Cancer 2022; 46:100858. [DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2022.100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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9
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Bertoncelli Tanaka M, Sahota K, Burn J, Falconer A, Winkler M, Ahmed HU, Rashid TG. Prostate cancer in transgender women: what does a urologist need to know? BJU Int 2021; 129:113-122. [PMID: 34157213 DOI: 10.1111/bju.15521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review of the existing literature, current guidelines and standard of practice related to prostate cancer in transgender women, as the transgender population share many of the same healthcare needs as their cisgender counterparts, but may have additional specialist needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a non-systematic review of the literature, current guidelines and standard of practice related to prostate cancer in transgender women. RESULTS Our search revealed 10 case reports of prostate cancer in transgender women, four specialist opinion papers, six cohort studies, and four systematic reviews. The information in these publications were assimilated to produce a review of prostate cancer in transgender women. CONCLUSION The risk of prostate cancer in transgender women who are not on gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) or who have not had gender-affirming surgery (GAS) and gender non-conforming individuals (who may never commence GAHT or have GAS) is the same as that in the cis male population. In these patients, healthcare professionals need to be able to discuss screening, diagnostic and treatment options considering future wishes for gender-affirming treatment. Prostate cancer incidence in transgender women on GAHT or following GAS is lower than age-matched cis-male counterparts, but diagnosis and treatment is more nuanced. The present review discusses the existing literature about development and incidence of prostate cancer in this population, and makes recommendations about screening, the usefulness of diagnostic tools e.g. prostate-specific antigen and magnetic resonance imaging, and considerations when formulating treatment. Potential directions for future research are discussed, which will hopefully lead to development of robust evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer in transgender women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bertoncelli Tanaka
- Imperial Urology, Division of Surgery, Cancer and Cardiovascular Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Imperial Prostate, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - James Burn
- Imperial Urology, Division of Surgery, Cancer and Cardiovascular Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Radiology Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alison Falconer
- Imperial Urology, Division of Surgery, Cancer and Cardiovascular Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Radiotherapy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mathias Winkler
- Imperial Urology, Division of Surgery, Cancer and Cardiovascular Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Imperial Prostate, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hashim U Ahmed
- Imperial Urology, Division of Surgery, Cancer and Cardiovascular Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Imperial Prostate, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tina G Rashid
- Imperial Urology, Division of Surgery, Cancer and Cardiovascular Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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10
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Andrews AR, Kakadekar A, Schmidt RL, Murugan P, Greene DN. Histologic Findings in Surgical Pathology Specimens From Individuals Taking Feminizing Hormone Therapy for the Purpose of Gender Transition: A Systematic Scoping Review. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:252-261. [PMID: 33983412 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0704-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Transgender women experience health disparities in all areas of medicine. Within surgical pathology, knowledge gaps relating to the concepts of transgender care exist. Medical transition for transgender women and transfeminine persons may involve hormone therapy and/or surgery to feminize the body. Understanding the common histologic changes in specimens from feminizing surgeries, as well as other specimens from patients on feminizing hormone therapy, will aid surgical pathologists in providing better care to this unique patient population. OBJECTIVE.— To summarize histologic findings in surgical pathology specimens from transgender women taking feminizing hormones. DATA SOURCES.— A systematic review of the OVID Medline and PubMed databases was performed to identify all studies describing histologic findings in surgical pathology specimens from transgender women from 1946 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS.— Much of the literature to date describing histologic findings in transgender women comes from the examination of genitourinary specimens removed during feminizing surgeries. Common benign changes associated with feminizing hormone therapy include the development of acini and lobules in the breast, testicular tubular changes, and squamous metaplasia of the prostate and urethra. Neoplastic cases include breast adenocarcinoma and fibroepithelial lesions, testicular germ cell tumors, prostatic adenocarcinoma, anal squamous cell carcinoma, pituitary adenomas, and meningiomas. Additional studies assessing the findings in other organ systems as well as population-based studies assessing rates of neoplasia are needed. However, future research relies on engagement within the surgical pathology community as well as collaboration with clinicians and patients to achieve optimal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R Andrews
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada (Andrews, Kakadekar)
| | - Archan Kakadekar
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada (Andrews, Kakadekar)
| | - Robert L Schmidt
- the Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (Schmidt)
| | - Paari Murugan
- the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Murugan)
| | - Dina N Greene
- the Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle (Greene)
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11
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Jackson SS, Han X, Mao Z, Nogueira L, Suneja G, Jemal A, Shiels MS. Cancer Stage, Treatment, and Survival Among Transgender Patients in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021; 113:1221-1227. [PMID: 33704460 PMCID: PMC8522352 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transgender persons face many barriers to health care that may delay cancer
diagnosis and treatment, possibly resulting in decreased survival. Yet, data
on cancer in this population are limited. We examined cancer stage at
diagnosis, treatment, and survival among transgender patients compared with
cisgender patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods Gender (male, female, or transgender) was extracted from medical records from
patients diagnosed with cancer between 2003 and 2016. Logistic regression
estimated odds ratios (ORs) for the associations between gender and stage at
diagnosis and treatment receipt. Cox proportional hazards regression
estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for associations between gender and all-cause
survival. Results Among 11 776 699 persons with cancer in NCDB, 589 were
transgender. Compared with cisgender patients, transgender patients may be
more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer (OR =
1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95 to 3.28); be less
likely to receive treatment for kidney (OR = 0.19, 95% CI
= 0.08 to 0.47) and pancreas (OR = 0.33, 95% CI
= 0.11 to 0.95) cancers; and have poorer survival after diagnosis
with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.51
to 3.63), prostate (HR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.06 to
3.45), and bladder cancers (HR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.36
to 6.00). Similar associations were found for other cancer sites, although
not statistically significant. Conclusion Transgender patients may be diagnosed at later stages, be less likely to
receive treatment, and have worse survival for many cancer types. Small
sample size hampered our ability to detect statistically significant
differences for some cancer sites. There is a need for transgender-focused
cancer research as the population ages and grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Jackson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ziling Mao
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gita Suneja
- Radiation Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meredith S Shiels
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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12
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Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in men in the USA, but the effect of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment on men in a sexual minority group, including men who have sex with men and transgender women, is poorly understood. Efforts to study this population are complicated, as cancer registries do not routinely collect information on sexual orientation. As a result, epidemiological data regarding this population have come from small studies that have included disparate rates of prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Qualitative studies indicate that prostate cancer is experienced differently by sexual minorities, with distinct health-care needs that arise owing to differences in sexual practices, social support systems and relationships with the medical community. Notably, sexual minorities have been reported to experience poorer health-related quality of life outcomes than heterosexual men, and tend to have less robust social support systems, experience increased psychological distress caused by sexual dysfunction (areas of which are unmeasured after treatment), experience isolation within the health-care system and express increased levels of dissatisfaction with treatment. The incidence of prostate cancer actually seems to be decreased in men from sexual minorities living with HIV, despite there being no differences in screening and treatment, with poor cancer-specific mortality. Although the literature on patients with prostate cancer in men from sexual minority groups has historically been sparse, peer-reviewed research in this area has grown considerably during the past decade and has become an important field of study.
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13
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Abstract
Gender-affirming hormonal treatment (HT) in transgender people is considered safe in general, but the question regarding (long-term) risk on sex hormone-related cancer remains. Because the risk on certain types of cancer differs between men and women, and some of these differences are attributed to exposure to sex hormones, the cancer risk may be altered in transgender people receiving HT. Although reliable epidemiologic data are sparse, the available data will be discussed in this article. Furthermore, recommendations for cancer screening and prevention will be discussed as well as whether to withdraw HT at time of a cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christel J M de Blok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Koen M A Dreijerink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin den Heijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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14
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McFarlane T, Zajac JD, Cheung AS. Gender-affirming hormone therapy and the risk of sex hormone-dependent tumours in transgender individuals-A systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:700-711. [PMID: 30107028 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancers are a leading cause of death worldwide, and transgender individuals are no exception. The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on sex hormone-dependent tumours are unclear. Therefore, this review seeks to determine whether tumour risk in transgender individuals differs from the general population, to guide clinical screening recommendations. METHODS We performed a systematic review based on the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies examining tumour incidence, prevalence or cancer-related mortality in transgender individuals. All English peer-reviewed publications were included if histological type and temporal relation to GAHT were reported. Case reports were included if there were ≥2 cases of the same histological type. RESULTS The search strategy identified 307 studies. Excluding those that did not meet inclusion criteria, 43 studies (7 cohort studies, 2 cross-sectional studies and 34 case reports) were reviewed. Retrospective cohort studies suggest no increase in risk of tumour development in transgender individuals receiving GAHT compared to the general population. Notably, the mean ages of cohorts were young and were treated with GAHT for insufficient durations to assess tumour risk. Case reports raise potential associations between high-dose oestradiol and anti-androgen therapy with prolactinoma and meningioma, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Further longitudinal studies are required to assess the risk of GAHT and hormone-dependent tumour development. Until further evidence is available, tumour screening should be based on guidelines for the general population and the presence of organs in transgender individuals rather than gender identity or hormonal therapy status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas McFarlane
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ada S Cheung
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Ingham MD, Lee RJ, MacDermed D, Olumi AF. Prostate cancer in transgender women. Urol Oncol 2018; 36:518-525. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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16
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Joint R, Chen ZE, Cameron S. Breast and reproductive cancers in the transgender population: a systematic review. BJOG 2018; 125:1505-1512. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Joint
- The University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - ZE Chen
- Chalmers Sexual Health Clinic; Edinburgh UK
| | - S Cameron
- Chalmers Sexual Health Clinic; Edinburgh UK
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology; University of Edinburgh; Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
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17
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Deebel NA, Morin JP, Autorino R, Vince R, Grob B, Hampton LJ. Prostate Cancer in Transgender Women: Incidence, Etiopathogenesis, and Management Challenges. Urology 2017; 110:166-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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